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Honeywell Lyric home security firmware update brings Apple HomeKit compatibility

Honeywell's Lyric Controller Home Security System is now certified for use with Apple's HomeKit technology, with users only needing to install a firmware update.

The Honeywell Lyric Controller uses a seven-inch touchscreen and built-in camera to arm and disarm the system. If a Lyric sensor, such as a door/window or motion detector, detects an unusual situation the controller will provide visual and audible notification to the user, in addition to a response to the user's iPhone.

With a subscription security service, the central station can contact first responders such as police or the fire department. In addition, through HomeKit, other local actions can also be triggered, such as lighting, locks and temperature controls.

Lyric Controller users can access their security systems using native authentication on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, including Touch ID and Face ID on iPhone X. Available sensors for the system include a smoke detector, a door or window sensor, a motion detector, and a glass-break detector. Other options include a siren, a keypad, and a two-way wireless keyfob.

The system has always used voice recognition. However, the HomeKit compatibility firmware update adds Siri to the mix for the first time in a home security system, when using an Apple TV or iPad as a HomeKit hub.

Prices vary for the system and its components. Professional installation is recommended, as is a subscription security system monitoring service.

Introduced in 2014, HomeKit allows users to connect to a variety of compatible so-called "internet of things" devices through the iOS Home app in conjunction with each other, as opposed to a series of disconnected interfaces. The addition of Siri control to HomeKit allows for complicated sequences of events to be induced from an iOS device by voice command.